Leeds United’s midfield looked distinctly average in their 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day and Thomas Christiansen must use the January transfer window to strengthen the spine of his team.

The Whites need a new striker and additions in their defence first, but Christiansen should also work alongside director of football Victor Orta to sign up Adam Clayton from Middlesbrough before the end of the month.

Clayton, 28, was outcasted from the Boro first-team by Garry Monk, and now that Tony Pulis has taken charge at the Riverside, it appears that the ex-Leeds midfielder still has no chance of earning senior football.

The midfielder left Elland Road in 2012 to sign for Huddersfield, where he spent two years before switching to Middlesbrough.

At the Riverside, Clayton earned promotion to the Premier League and was also one of the consistent performers in the squad in the top-flight last term.

It’s strange the Boro don’t see him as a first-team player anymore, but that means Leeds must try and seal a swoop for the 28-year-old in January.